The Narcissistic Family Diagnosis and Treatment

by Donaldson-Pressman, Stephanie; Pressman, Robert M.

• ISBN13: 9780787908706
• ISBN10: 0787908703
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1997-07-15
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass

Summary

In this compelling book, the authors present an innovative therapeutic model for understanding and treating adults from emotionally abusive or neglectful families? families the authors call narcissistic. Narcissistic families have a parental system that is, for whatever reason (job stress, alcoholism, drug abuse, mental illness, physical disability, lack of parenting skills, self-centered immaturity), primarily involved in getting its own needs met. The children in such narcissistic family systems try to earn love, attention and approval by satisfying their parents' needs, thus never developing the ability to recognize their own needs or create strategies for getting them met. By outlining the theoretical framework of their model and using dozens of illustrative clinical examples, the authors clearly illuminate specific practice guidelines for treating these individuals. Stephanie Donaldson-Pressman is a therapist, consultant, and trainer. She is known for her work with dysfunctional families, particularly with survivors of incest. Robert M. Pressman is the editor-in-chief and president of the Joint Commission for the Development of the Treatment and Statistical Manual for Behavioral and Mental Disorders.

Author Biography

STEPHANIE DONALDSON-PRESSMAN is a therapist, consultant, and trainer. She is known for her work with dysfunctional families, particularly with survivors of incest. ROBERT M. PRESSMAN is the editor-in-chief and president of the Joint Commission for the Development of the Treatment and Statistical Manual for Behavioral and Mental Disorders.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	vii
Introduction	1	(10)
Part I The Narcissistic Family Model	11	(38)
1. Narcissus and Echo: The Original Narcissistic System	11	(8)
2. Characteristics of the Narcissistic Family	19	(22)
3. Narcissus, Narcissism, and the Narcissistic Family Model	41	(8)
Part II Therapy with Adults Raised in Narcissistic Families	49	(90)
4. Acceptance: The Key to Recovery	49	(19)
5. Feelings and Communication	68	(14)
6. Setting Boundaries	82	(11)
7. Decision Making and Deferment of Gratification	93	(15)
8. Trust and Therapy	108	(14)
9. Intimacy, Sex, and Friendship	122	(10)
10. "I Do, Therefore I Am" Versus Validating the Treasure	132	(7)
Appendix A: An Overview of Narcissism in Psychoanalytic Theory	139	(10)
Appendix B: Therapy with the Blakes	149	(12)
References	161	(8)
Bibliography	169	(4)
Index	173	(8)
About the Author	181